There's a lot that goes into planning a funeral, but making those arrangements beforehand gives you time to consider all of your options and make sure that you're covering all of the necessary details. The following checklist will help you to make sure you have thought of everything when you begin creating your personalized plan.

This includes fraternal, service, or union membership. long with any special recognitions' you might have.

If you are a veteran, you will need to include:

Military Service

Branch rank

Date of enlistment

Date of discharge

Name(s) of war/conflict(s) toured

Serial number

Ways in which you can plan ahead:

General:

Gather personal information for your obituary

Choose a charity to direct donations to, if desired

Choose a funeral home

Make note of any special instructions you desire for your service and final disposition

Funeral Service:

Choose burial or cremation

Select a casket or cremation container

Choose the location and type of service

Decide whether you would like to have a viewing or visitation

Select which photographs and memorabilia you would like displayed

Consider any customs, traditions, or religious rites that are important to you and your family

Choose the clothing you would like to be dressed in

Select music and hymns, if desired

Select a style for your stationary and memorial register book

Brainstorm any additional way's you would like to personalize the services or pay tribute to your accomplishments, hobbies, personality, and life story

Participants:

Choose a clergy member or officiator to preside over the service

Select any musicians whose talents you would like to employ

Select pallbearers

Choose friends or family members to perform the eulogy, read scriptures, or prepare a speech

Cemetery

Choose a cemetery

Select a burial or cremation plot, or a mausoleum, if appropriate

Decide between above - and below - ground burial

Select a memorial or grave marker and inscription

Remember that there is no need to make all of these decisions right away, and that the purpose of pre-planning is to allow yourself to take the time you need when considering your options and making the choices that are right for you. For personalized assistance in creating your plan, consult one of our funeral directors by contacting us at (440) 466-1108 to schedule a one-on-one meeting.